Visiting Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) Central Committee member, Dr Vyacheslav Tetekin, has urged Zimbabwe’s opposition political parties to safeguard national interests and resist external interference, cautioning against undue influence from Western powers.
In an interview with ZBC News in Harare on Wednesday, Dr Tetekin stressed that opposition parties must prioritise patriotism and constructive engagement to support the country’s development, rather than becoming instruments of foreign agendas.
“These parties are being artificially created precisely to serve the other side of the outside forces,” he said. “The new parties should be rooted in patriotism so that even when they criticise the government, it is constructive. It can be difficult for them because if their money is coming from the enemy, then they will not be able to be part of the national development story.”
Dr Tetekin’s comments come amid longstanding debates in Zimbabwe over the role of foreign funding in shaping political narratives and the autonomy of opposition parties. His remarks reflect concerns shared by some political analysts who argue that external influence can compromise national sovereignty and skew political discourse.
During his visit, Dr Tetekin expressed admiration for Zimbabwe’s developmental progress, particularly the growth of black-owned businesses and the country’s broader economic trajectory.
“Now we see the proliferation of black businesses and there is strong development in the country. The masses have become the masters of their own destiny. A lot has changed since the colonial era and especially now, I have realised that Zimbabwe is growing, and it is impressive,” he said.
The Russian official highlighted that local initiatives and self-reliance are key to sustainable development, noting that the empowerment of citizens and domestic industries contributes significantly to national strength.
Russian Communist Official Urges Zimbabwe Opposition to Guard Against Foreign Influence
Dr Tetekin also outlined strategies for Zimbabwe to overcome neo-colonial challenges. Central to his recommendations was investment in education and skills development, which he described as the foundation for self-sufficiency and economic independence.
“A way out of neo-colonialism is improving the economy and to do that, focus on education because education paves the way for transformation. Training skilled workers is critical because, as a country, you will be able to make your own things and survive,” he explained.
He added that cultivating supportive international partnerships is important, but these relationships must respect national sovereignty and not exploit domestic resources. “As long as you have friends who can assist and not want to take resources away from you, it is very easy to become a self-reliant nation. If Russia did it and can do it, it is possible,” he noted.
Dr Tetekin, who is in Zimbabwe on an official visit, has been actively engaging with political and educational institutions. He delivered a lecture on sanctions at the Chitepo School of Ideology in Harare, examining how external pressures can affect national economies and social policies.
During his tour, he is also expected to meet with senior ZANU PF officials to discuss bilateral cooperation, lessons from Russia’s development model, and strategies to strengthen Zimbabwe’s economic independence. Analysts say such exchanges are part of broader efforts to deepen ideological and strategic ties between the two countries.
A recurring theme of Dr Tetekin’s message is the importance of constructive political engagement. He emphasised that criticism of government policies should be aimed at national development rather than serving partisan or external interests.
“Constructive criticism is essential for growth,” he said. “But if political parties are beholden to outside forces, they cannot contribute meaningfully to the national project. Patriotism must guide every action so that even opposition voices strengthen the country rather than weaken it.”
Political commentators note that Dr Tetekin’s visit reinforces the CPRF’s long-standing philosophy of state-led development, self-reliance, and vigilance against foreign domination. His advice comes at a time when Zimbabwe continues to navigate economic challenges, sanctions, and debates over political financing and sovereignty.
As Zimbabwe observes Dr Tetekin’s visit, his statements are likely to spark discussions across political and civic platforms about the role of opposition parties, foreign funding, and national priorities. By urging both loyalty to the nation and constructive dialogue, he has reinforced a message that resonates with leaders advocating for self-determination and sustainable development.
While his tour is ongoing, the Russian official’s engagement with schools, government officials, and political institutions underscores a continued exchange of ideas on governance, economic independence, and strategies to resist external pressures. For Zimbabwe, the visit provides an opportunity to reflect on the balance between constructive political debate and the protection of national interests.
Source- ZBCNews
